ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE TINDAL, Australia -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 service members participating in Exercise Southern Frontier 2007 hiked rocky trails, swam in freshwater pools, and enjoyed spending time with fellow squadron members at Nitmiluk National Park Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Katherine Saturday.
The trip to the scenic park, which is about 35 miles from the base, was organized by the squadron's officers, senior enlisted members, and the Single Marine Program.
At the park's picnic area, VMFA-212 Sgt. Maj. Ricky Stroud explained how he hoped the day would be a welcome break from their everyday duties.
"This is for you," said Stroud, a native of Myrtle Beach, S.C. "It's usually, 'aircraft down, get it up,' but not today. We want you to go out there and enjoy yourselves."
Lt. Col. Robert C. Boyles, VMFA-212 commanding officer, underscored the sergeant major's comments and thanked the Marines for their consistent hard work and dedication.
"Thank you," a sincere Boyles told his Marines and sailors. "Enjoy the squadron camaraderie today and have fun."
The Marines and sailors were then set loose to experience the park's wonders, including its rushing waterfalls and rocky, sandy trails.
The trails meandering through the park's hills, which at points were breathtakingly steep, provided a panorama of the landscape's trees and wispy, golden foliage.
"It's an amazing view," said Pfc. Julian P. Jones, VMFA-212 quality assurance specialist.
"If I wasn't in the Marine Corps, I'd never see anything like this," added the Memphis, Tenn., native.
Many of the Marines and sailors headed up the Leliyn Trail, which climbs to the top of the park's hills and down to a body of water known as the "upper pool." Some Marines swam in clear, cool water below a waterfall while others bathed in the sun along the pool’s rocky bank.
"The water's kind of cold, but it feels great," said Jones.
After swimming and soaking up a few rays, the service members trotted down the trail where freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs awaited their growling stomachs. Abiding by the statement 'This is for you,' the squadron's senior enlisted members prepared and served the food to their Marines and sailors.
"We wanted to put our resources together and do something (the service members) would really enjoy and remember," said Stroud.
After chow and a brief respite in the shade under one of the park's many trees, the service members attacked the trails once more. Some took a different route, stopping to take in the scenery as well as a few pictures.
"I think I got some pretty good shots," said Lance Cpl. Edward L. Townsel, VMFA-212 F/A-18 mechanic and native of Pueblo, Colo. "I'm going to put these on my MySpace site and show everyone what I'm doing here in Australia."
After another couple of hours of hiking, swimming and chatting with friends, the Marines and sailors called it a day. The bus ride back to base was a quiet one, as the service members closed their eyes and rested their heads, signaling the end of an eventful day.
"This was not only a great opportunity to see Australia, but also to just relax," said Jones. "I think what made this trip so special was that we had the whole squadron together, and we all had fun."